My Genealogy Hound

J. H. Richardson, ex-county judge and farmer of Little Black Township, was born in the State of Illinois on the 11th of April, 1840, and is one of two surviving members of a family of four children (the other survivor being Mary A., wife of Jackson Baker, of Pike County, Ill.) born to Emanuel and Matilda A. (Gates) Richardson, who were born in Alabama and South Carolina, respectively. The father moved to Illinois in 1836, where he purchased land and remained until 1841, at which time he removed to Schuyler County, Mo., where he also improved a farm and remained until 1863. From that time until 1865, he resided in Illinois, then came to Randolph County, where he made his home until his death, which occurred June 17, 1888. He was first married in 1838, to Miss Gates, and after her death, which occurred in 1850 or 1851, he espoused Miss Martha Lovett of Missouri, in the latter year, and by her became the father of one child that died in infancy. He was called upon to mourn the death of his second wife in 1854, and the same year he married Miss Eliza A. Wadsworth, of Pike County, Ill., she bearing him eight children, five now living: Eliza E., wife of William Lewis, of this county; John E., in Sharp County, Ark.; Jacob W., of this county; Fannie E., wife of James Hogan, of this county, and Charles B., also of this county. Mr. Richardson and his three wives were members of the Baptist Church, and he was something of a politician, taking an active interest in the politics of the county. He accumulated a fine property prior to the war, but during that time he lost heavily, and afterward had to commence anew, retrieving his fortunes to some extent. J. H. Richardson, the immediate subject of this memoir, enlisted in the Confederate army at the age of twenty-one years, being under Capt. Sam Shacklett, and served until the 6th of August, 1861, when he was severely wounded, having his right leg broken, and was sent home to recuperate. After remaining inactive until 1862, he rejoined his company, but after serving a short time, the company was disbanded, and he and W. H. Tipton went to Iowa, thence to Illinois, remaining in the latter State until 1865, when he came to Randolph County, locating within three miles of where he now lives, the summer months being spent in farming, and the winter months in teaching school. Like his father, he has always been a Democrat politically, and in 1874 was elected to the office of justice of the peace, serving in this capacity two years, and was then chosen county assessor, filling the office three successive terms. In 1882, he was elected county and probate judge, holding the position four years, and to his excellent natural abilities, were added the wisdom and experience of a useful and well-spent life, and there was no reason to view his official career with disappointment when he retired from the bench. He is one of the heaviest tax-payers of the county, and at the present time owns 3,000 acres of land, of which about 600 are under cultivation and fence. When starting for himself, it was with very little means, but he has succeeded well in his undertakings, and deserves much credit for the way in which he has surmounted the difficulties which have strewn his path. He possesses a large fund of information, is strictly temperate, and is respected and esteemed by all for his many sterling qualities. October 3, 1867, he married Miss Martha J. Mansker, who was born in this county November 25, 1849, and to them were born the following children: H. L., born September 19, 1870; W. J., born October 30, 1872; Martha A., born January 1, 1876; Manuel G., born October 8, 1877, and Eliza L. L., born August 24, 1880. Mrs. Richardson, who died December 30, 1883, was a faithful wife and mother, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1884, our subject married Miss Rebecca E. Downey, who was born on the 22d of February, 1848. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.